Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after the team’s 2023 season that he intends to retain defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. But Martindale apparently had other plans, and he resigned on Monday.
It was first reported that new york daily news Martindale’s departure marks the end of months of back and forth between coordinator and head coach, confirmed CBS Sports’ senior NFL insider Jonathan Jones. FOX Sports reported earlier this year that there was tension between the two, and while both have downplayed it publicly, the split suggests a difference in vision.
Martindale’s resignation also came hours after it was reported that the Giants fired two defensive assistants, Drew Wilkins and Kevin Wilkins, who he worked with at the Ravens’ headquarters in Baltimore.
Martindale, 60, could become a hot topic as the next presidential candidate. Both coordinator and head coach positions. His Giants defense ranked 27th in 2023, but he also tied the Bills for the most total points of any team (31). He previously oversaw three top-10 finishes as the Ravens’ DC from 2018 to 2021 and helped Baltimore win the Super Bowl as linebackers coach.
There are three potential landing sites:
If “Wink” really made Daboll’s Giants regime worse, imagine how eager he would be to play Big Blue twice a year. More importantly, Dallas may need a veteran defensive mind if current coordinator Dan Quinn eventually leaves to take his own head coaching job. Martindale’s blitz attack could mesh well with playmakers like Micah Parsons and Daron Brand.
Martindale has ties to owner Mark Davis and the Raiders organization and began his NFL coaching career with the Silver and Black in 2004. Las Vegas likely has its eyes on bigger fish in its head coaching search (see: Jim Harbaugh), but “Wink” is a possibility. Whether it’s interim Antonio Pierce or another head of charge, it makes sense as a flashy DC hire.
Continuing with the NFC East theme. No team may be more destined for defensive reinvention than the Eagles, even after abruptly changing their defensive play-calling in an unprecedented move. His aggressiveness may be welcome, as Philadelphia’s highly paid front has significantly underperformed as a pass-rushing unit.
